Last weekend, we took Dominic, along with my mom, to his second ever Padres baseball game. The first baseball game we took him to, he was just the tender age of barely one. It was a company function, and he basically just sat on everyone’s laps and then took a nap. Now that he’s a little over 2-years-old, it’s fun because he is able to recognize that he’s at a game and can ask questions.
The San Diego Padres play at Petco Park in Downtown. It is a beautiful ball park with great views of the city all around it. Here, my family is looking across the street at The San Diego Convention Center.
Inside, you can see that it’s specifically made just for baseball. One of the most interesting parts of the interior is the use of the old Western Metal Supply Co. building. I remember seeing that building all through my youth, whenever we would pass through Downtown San Diego. I was so happy to know that they incorporated the building into the interior of the ball park because to me, it was such an iconic structure.
My other favorite parts of the park are the kid friendly bleacher seats with the sandbox, and the “Park in the Park”. Whoever thought about the design of this park really took into consideration the family unit, which includes a family pet. 
The “Park in the Park” has a large park area where families can bring blankets and folding chairs while watching the game picnic style. There is a large video screen facing the park area, so that you can catch all of the action from the park if you don’t feel like venturing into the actual interior of the ballpark. There is also a great mini-diamond where kids can practice hitting and running with a ballpark employee.
It was a nice late afternoon game that went into the early evening, so we got to experience the beautiful San Diego sun before it settled into the brisk cool evening. The Padres beat the visiting San Francisco Giants that day, 11-3. Dominic was able to witness two home runs by the home team. It made for a great way to spend a Saturday. Next time, we’re going to bring my sister’s family and have a picnic at the park. Hope you all had a great weekend!
